St Ignatius Loyola, our patronal feast

Ordinary time, Jeremiah 20:7-11, 13

Today is Thursday, the 31st of July, the Solemnity of St Ignatius Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus.

The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing: Ego vos elegi ‘I have chosen you out of the world, so that you might go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last.’ As you listen to this chant, hear those words addressed to you, because they are addressed to you. God knows all your strengths and all your weaknesses, and has chosen you to bear fruit for him.

Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah feels that he’s a laughing-stock. Everybody mocks him. He’s greeted every day with reproaches and derision. How does his voice sound to you today? Paranoid? Scared? Ultimately triumphant? Or what?

Even if he wanted to, Jeremiah feels he could not stay quiet. The truth will out. Are there things in your own life that just have to be said? Said, no matter what the consequences? What are these core truths for you?

As you listen to Jeremiah’s voice again, notice how his mood changes during the course of what he has to say here.

What is it important for you to say at this moment to the God who is truth?